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Free Realms coming to PS3 mid-2010, may support PlayStation Eye

by Griffin McElroy { Sep 16th 2009 at 12:15PM }

The Q&A session following the Free Realms-centric keynote speech, delivered earlier today by Sony Online Entertainment president John Smedley at GDC Austin, contained a hopeful tidbit for those looking to play the aforementioned free-to-play MMO on their consoles. When we asked about the release window for the PS3 version of Free Realms, Smedley cheekily replied, "I'm wondering, too!" He then added, "It's next year sometime, toward the middle of the year."

During his speech, Smedley also addressed the functions which would be specifically tailored for the MMO's console outing, saying, "For the PlayStation 3 version, it's very likely that the Eye is going to be something we support." We hope the Eye's implementation isn't of a voyeuristic nature -- if there's anything our late-night Uno sessions taught us, it's Camera + Internet Strangers = Terror.

SOE prez delivering GDC Austin keynote

by Griffin McElroy { Aug 6th 2009 at 8:30PM }

We sure hope that attendees of GDC Austin 2009 want to hear about the unimaginable success of Sony Online Entertainment's Free Realms, because that's exactly what they're getting. SOE president John Smedley will deliver the keynote address at the event, which is set to kick off September 15.

Considering Free Realms was initially announced at the Lone Star State's annual gaming convention in 2007, we can expect a majority of Smedley's speech to focus on the free-to-play online title -- particularly on how it hastily acquired five million players. Actually, by the time said event opens its doors, we wouldn't be surprised if that number was in the low-to-mid billions.

SOE: Free Realms 'close to' 5 million users

by David Hinkle { Jul 25th 2009 at 1:00AM }

We've been following the saga of SOE's free-to-play MMO, Free Realms, for some time now. First, it reached one million a mere 18 days after release, only to add another million in May. And, as if that wasn't enough, another million folks signed up a month later. It appears the game has no ceiling, though, as SOE president John Smedley told Comic-Con attendees (via Gamasutra) that the game is close to five million users now.

Smedley attributed the success to the free-to-play model (uh, you think?) and said that folks have been surprisingly receptive to microtransactions. Because of this crazy rise in popularity, The Joystiq Hall of Science™ has stepped in to offer its own projection. According to our figures, we're estimating the game will have 17 billion users by Columbus Day of this year.

Free Realms comic coming July 29, includes in-game bonuses

by Griffin McElroy { Jul 23rd 2009 at 5:00AM }

Looking for some supplementary materials for Sony Online Entertainment's utterly adorable, free-to-play MMO Free Realms? You're in luck. DC Comics brand WildStorm and SOE are teaming up to publish a comic book series based on the popular online game. J.S. Lewis, the author of the Grey Griffins children's book series, will be penning the story, but let's be honest -- you won't be picking up the comics for the story.

No, we wager you'll purchase the comics because of the unlockable in-game items they'll contain. The first issue, which drops July 29, includes the "Spider Bite Sword." We imagine the following 11 issues will include equally enticing armaments. If you are interested in the story, you can check out a brief preview of Issue no. 1 right here.

[Via Massively]

Free Realms hits 3 million players; PS3 version 'still in development'

by Alexander Sliwinski { Jun 13th 2009 at 1:00AM }

Sony Online Entertainment apparently has a hit on its hands as Free Realms has passed the 3 million unique users mark. As the game continues to tick past million mark milestones, we expect to see the four million unique user press release in the next month. If we don't ... something has gone terribly wrong.

To celebrate its latest milestone, SOE is giving out the "3M Pet Party Pack," which has "goodies" for player's virtual feline and canine companions.

As the game continues to grow its base on the PC, we couldn't help but contact SOE and ask about the status of the PS3 version. We were told by a representative the PS3 version is still in development, but there's currently no status update or comment about whether the two platforms would be cross-compatible.

Free Realms passes two million players

by Justin McElroy { May 28th 2009 at 6:30AM }

Well, that about wraps it up for video games. No, no, we're serious. There's a new world order and we'd highly suggest that you get in line. How are we so sure? Because SOE's free MMO Free Realms just crossed the two-million-player mark. If the story seems familiar to you, it's because Free Realms just passed the one million player line 12 days ago.

Pardon, but, would you mind genuflecting just a little bit more soulfully? Emperor Free Realms likes to see that you really mean it.

Free Realms hits a million players in 18 days

by Griffin McElroy { May 15th 2009 at 7:00PM }

What do you get when you cross an in incredibly accessible, casual MMO, a free-to-play subscription plan, a widely circulated ad campaign and magical, magical fairies? Why, you get Free Realms, of course -- and in turn, Free Realms gets 1,000,000 registered accounts in just 18 days.

We knew that Sony Online Entertainment had stumbled upon a recipe for mind-blowing success (an in-game trading card game and kart racing? That's just fiendish), but to get a million players on board in just over two weeks is simply remarkable. We're terrified to think of how this number will skyrocket when the game lands on PS3s. Terrified, we tell you!

SOE's Free Realms closed beta now open

by Ben Gilbert { Apr 14th 2009 at 9:50PM }

As per Sony Online Entertainment's word, the free-to-play MMO unironically named Free Realms has opened the doors of its closed beta to the world. Aside from the kart racing and pet raising, we imagine users will start flooding into the online world and immediately partake in our time-honored tradition of Quincying. (Go, Joystiq Hive Mind!)

Like most betas, this one's asking its users to keep quiet on the inner workings of the game, though, ironically, SOE is asking participants to blabber on to their hearts content on the game website's public forums. For those of you looking for hot scoops on Free Realms, now you know where to go. And did we mention we have a tips box that guarantees anonymity?

Free Realms introduces not-so-free subscription option

by Andrew Yoon { Mar 13th 2009 at 4:00AM }

Looks like man cannot live on microtransactions alone. Sony Online Entertainment is expanding the earning potential of Free Realms by reintroducing a very familiar MMO tactic: monthly subscription fees. Yes, the game is still technically free, but there's a new premium-tier level to the service.

For $5 a month, premium members of Free Realms will be able to access 5 extra jobs, ranking on Free Realms leaderboards, three character slots and 400 extra items and quests. It appears most of the content in Free Realms will be, er, free for all -- however, we wonder how much content SOE will continue to provide for those that decide to play, but not pay.

The PC open beta for Free Realms is due next month. A PS3 version is also in the works.

[Via Massively]

Video reveals Free Realm's environments

by Andrew Yoon { Mar 10th 2009 at 2:02PM }

Is PlayStation Home's real-life familiarity a drag? Well, PS3 owners will be able to escape the online shopping malls of Home and run away to SOE's upcoming MMO, Free Realms. Currently in beta for PC, Free Realms promises family-friendly gaming for the masses. Best of all, it'll be free, paid for via microtransactions a la Home. Based on the video alone, we're digging the lush, colorful environments of Free Realms over the dull and realistic worlds of Home.

Massively week in review

by Joystiq Staff { Mar 4th 2009 at 3:00AM }

Joystiq's sister site Massively.com has all the news you'll need about MMOs. Here's the best, brightest, and most interesting stuff from the last week, all in one convenient place for your MMO minute.

Massively's complete coverage of Warhammer Online Patch 1.2
Dwarf Slayers are just about ready to start hitting the live Warhammer Online servers for all their worth. With the orange tide imminent, I've been running around the test server for the past several days, looking to learn all I could about these wonders of Dwarven kind. Including -- but not limited to -- the underlying cogs of their special mechanic, how they handle PvP and PvE, and most importantly where they hide their booze -- here's a hint: it's underneath something.

EVE Evolved: Apocrypha expansion preview
As March 10th draws ever closer, EVE Online's Apocrypha expansion is coming more and more into focus. Information on the new game mechanics and content is being released in the form of developer blogs and the official expansion page complete with screenshots and artwork is already up.

Continued →

Free Realms closed beta begins, open beta in April

by Andrew Yoon { Feb 26th 2009 at 3:59PM }

Sony Online Entertainment's free-to-play MMO, Free Realms, has just entered closed beta. Unlike its previous efforts, EverQuest and PlanetSide, SOE is trying to target a very casual market, promising a "kid-safe" experience that offers "something for everyone." Players aren't locked into individual classes, for example, and will be able to partake in a number of non-violent activities, such as pet raising and kart racing.

The beta is currently available on PC only, although a PS3 version of Free Realms is also in the works. The closed beta appears to be rather limited, with invites extended to press (you know, the big kids) and "a few selected players." Those that are interested in the open beta, which begins in April, will want to pre-register at freerealms.com.

Gallery: Free Realms

Massively week in review

by Joystiq Staff { Feb 25th 2009 at 12:02AM }

Visualizing Free Realms: An interview with Art Director Rosie Rappaport
If you've been following the development of SOE's Free Realms lately, you're probably pretty excited about everything it has to offer. If you haven't been following its development, check out our extensive coverage and exclusive interviews with its developers. Ready for even more exclusive interviews? Good, because just last week Massively sat down with Rosie Rappaport, the Art Director for Free Realms, to chat about the game's distinctive art style and the concept process involved.

Massively's pre-launch interview with Runes of Magic
With the game set to launch in just about a month from now, we jumped at the chance to have a chat with the folks at Frogster concerning their much-anticipated fantasy MMO. Are they on track with this March launch date? How has beta reaction been so far, and what do they have to say about the growing concern that the game is "nothing more than a cheap WoW clone"?

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Facebook games manager is eyeing your grandma

by Ben Gilbert { Feb 15th 2009 at 3:50PM }

And the rest of your family, for that matter. In a recent interview with VentureBeat's Dean Takahashi, program manager for games in Facebook's platform marketing division Gareth Davis had a lot to say about their burgeoning social network/"gaming platform." According to Davis, the network has accrued more than 5,000 games since opening up their platform in 2007 and those games are coming from small fish and enormous whales alike. Davis says the demographics for game players are changing as well, "Our fastest growing demographic now is over 30. Now it's grandparents playing games with grandchildren. You don't see that anywhere else." Hit the jump for more!

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Free Realms comes to PC in April, PS3 in Q3, maybe Mac

by Justin McElroy { Feb 12th 2009 at 12:10PM }

Tired of hanging out with your 12-year-old brother/sister/son/daughter? You'll finally have a permanent e-babysitter in April when teen-friendly MMO Free Realms goes live on PC. If you're going to be plopping the kids in front of a PS3 before you bolt to Olive Garden, however, you're going to need to wait until Q3, according to a report on Eurogamer. (On the bright side, the game will be a free download on PSN.) If you just can't wait for a teen-free date night, keep an eye out, as the beta for the game will reportedly begin "within a couple of weeks."

Eurogamer's source also says that Mac is "definitely on the list of platforms" Sony Online Entertainment wants to develop for," but nobody's talking details at the moment. Keep those OG gift certificates safe, Mac users. Sounds like you'll be needing them before you know it.